San Francisco voters will get a front‑row look at the city’s first competitive congressional race in four decades when Mission Local co‑hosts a public forum on Oct. 13. The event, organized with City Arts & Lectures and the New York Times, will be held at the 1,600‑seat Sydney Goldstein Theater, a century‑old venue just blocks from City Hall.
Who’s on the stage
State Sen. Scott Wiener and District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan are the two declared candidates vying to replace Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Both have been active in San Francisco politics, and the forum gives residents a chance to hear directly from them on the issues that matter to the district.
Moderators and format
The discussion will be co‑moderated by Mission Local’s managing editor and columnist Joe Eskenazi and Heather Knight, the San Francisco bureau chief for the New York Times. Eskenazi, a longtime San Francisco journalist, said, “You could do worse than joining us on October 13. We’re going to put our next congressional representative to the test.” Knight brings two decades of City Hall reporting experience to the table.
How to attend
In‑person tickets start at $36, with a limited number of reduced‑price seats available for those who email [email protected] if cost is a barrier. For residents who cannot attend in person, virtual tickets are priced at $5.75, and a recording of the entire forum will be posted online for free after the event.
Why the forum matters
This race marks a rare moment of genuine competition for San Francisco’s lone House seat. Voters will hear each candidate’s stance on key issues such as housing affordability, public safety, climate action, and the future of federal funding for local projects. The forum’s partnership with a national newspaper underscores the broader significance of the contest, while the involvement of a local outlet keeps the focus on community concerns.
Mission Local’s election coverage
Mission Local is committing extensive resources to cover every competitive race in the city, from the three supervisor districts and the school board to ten local ballot measures and the congressional race. Each week, the outlet publishes policy‑focused questions for candidates, helping residents make informed choices at the ballot box.
About the moderators
Joe Eskenazi joined Mission Local in 2017 after stints at SF Weekly and San Francisco Magazine. His work has also appeared in Esquire and The Guardian. Heather Knight spent more than twenty years at the San Francisco Chronicle covering City Hall before becoming the New York Times’ San Francisco bureau chief.
Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and engage with the candidates as San Franciscans shape the future of their representation in Washington.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
